Football

A parent expresses his thanks to the Eldred community

Eldred’s warmth toward Richie Ranne evokes a heartfelt message of gratitude from his dad

By RICHARD A. ROSS

ELDRED, NY - Anyone who has attended any of Eldred’s football games, either at home or away, has seen Richie Ranne wearing his Yellowjackets jersey, and showing any and all bystanders his latest matchbox cars as he greets them with a big smile.

The following is a message from his dad, also named Richie Ranne, thanking the community for their loving response to his son, who has answered the adversity rendered by his handicaps with courage and spirit:

“Everyone knows how good the Eldred football team is, and we also recognize how much other teams put their hearts into what they do. What people don’t know is the heart and respect these players and coaches have shown on and off the field, or how the people in this small community treat others.

Richie Ranne is a 20-year-old multi-handicapped young man who doctors said would never walk or function in life.

But we know doctors aren’t always right. Thanks to his mom, Terri, and his brothers, Sean and Jonathan, Richie does fine. He has earned gold, silver and bronze medals in the Special Olympics. Although he will never play on a high school team, he is always there at every game from modified to varsity.

Mike Prunka made Richie a part of the team at every game and Richie sits with the team. All of the players show him respect and listen to him, despite being focused on their games.

Coach Frank Kean has involved Richie at football games and at practice, and players have even said that they needed him on the sidelines. Richie has more than just two brothers; he has a whole community of brothers and sisters that love him.

For this I say thank you. You have made his life a lot of fun.

I wish to extend a special thanks to the following people in particular: Mike and Darnell Prunka, Frank and Eileen Kean, John LiGrecci, Dave Thompson, Scott and June Hallock, Jim and Tammy Bisland, Tonya and Bill McKerrill and Gary and Linda Hazen.

The following players, past and present, deserve special thanks: Mike and Kevin Prunka, George Fountain, Nick McCormick, Tom Compasso and Nick Simonelli.

Thanks again to all of the students at Eldred Central School.

Yours truly,

Richie Ranne

P.S. Let me also extend a special thanks to Richard Ross of The River Reporter, who always takes time to talk to Richie, and for his great articles.”